Marking tape, method of applying and method of manufacturing the marking tape

ABSTRACT

A marking tape for application on pavement which comprises a core layer and an adhesive layer outside the core layer. The core layer is formed of a combination of a conforming layer of a thermoplastic material, a marking layer of a cross-linked material, and a fibrous layer. The conforming layer and the marking layer are contiguous and/or directly interconnected with each other. The marking tape is preferably relatively light weight and relatively inexpensive.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/404,265,filed Nov. 26, 2014, which is a national stage filing under 35 U.S.C.371 of PCT/US2013/043235, filed on May 30, 2013, which claims priorityto European Application No. 12170061.1, filed on May 30, 2012, thedisclosures of all applications mentioned above are incorporated byreference in their entirety herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a marking tape for application on pavement, amethod of applying the marking tape on pavement and a method ofmanufacturing the marking tape. The invention relates particularly to apre-manufactured marking tape which can be retained on the pavement byan adhesive and which has a fibrous layer.

BACKGROUND

Marking tapes for pavement marking are typically used to delineatetraffic lanes on a roadway. Such a marking tape may extend continuously,such as along the outermost boundaries of the driving lanes, orintermittently, such as between lanes.

Marking tapes are typically pre-manufactured and provided on rolls fromwhich they can be removed and applied on the pavement by simply rollingthe tape onto the pavement surface. Thus such marking tapes by principledifferentiate from markings which are directly created on the pavement,for example by spraying, casting or painting. Available rolls mayprovide marking tape in lengths of 25 to 300 meters, for example. Thelength of the marking tape on a roll depends for example on the width,thickness of the tape and the materials used in the tape. The thicknessof the marking tape as referred to in this specification corresponds toa measure in a dimension the tape would protrude from a surface on whichit is applied in its intended orientation. This is typically thesmallest dimension of the tape, whereas the width corresponds to measurein a dimension perpendicular to the length and the thickness.

While both types of markings have advantages a popular use of markingtapes is in construction work zones, where the marking tape is used totemporarily guide the traffic on the roadway around work areas.Accordingly the marking tape is often removed from the roadway after aperiod of time. However there are also applications in which markingtape is used for permanent marking of roadways. To allow the markingtape to be peeled from the surface of the roadway in a single piece, themarking tape desirably has sufficient structural integrity to preventtearing. Further if the tape is intended to remain in place longer term,it is desirable to provide the tape with structural integrity sufficientto withstand the mechanical stress that vehicles and weather can cause.

Various pavement marking tapes have been developed, and some of suchtapes include a fibrous layer.

Although a variety of marking tapes exist there is still a desire for amarking tape which is relatively durable, which stays generally in placeunder typical traffic and weather conditions and which maintains goodoptical appearance over a long term. Desirably such marking tape isfurther relatively lightweight and inexpensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect the invention relates to a marking tape for application onpavement. The marking tape comprises a core layer and an adhesive layer(preferably outside the core layer). The adhesive layer is adapted forretaining the marking tape on the pavement. Further the core layer isformed of a combination of a conforming layer of a, preferably nonbituminous, thermoplastic material, a marking layer of a cross-linkedmaterial, and a fibrous layer. The conforming layer and the markinglayer are preferably in contact with each other over at least a portionof their extent (i.e. are at least partially contiguous) and morepreferably are directly interconnected with each other.

The fibrous layer is preferably at least partially embedded in theconforming layer, and/or is at least partially embedded in the adhesivelayer. Thus, the fibrous layer may be at least partially embedded in theconforming layer, in the adhesive layer or in both.

In an alternative aspect the invention relates to a marking tape forapplication on pavement. The marking tape comprises a core layer and anadhesive layer (preferably outside the core layer). The adhesive layeris adapted for retaining the marking tape on the pavement. Further thecore layer is formed of a combination of a conforming layer of a,preferably non bituminous, thermoplastic material, and a marking layerof a cross-linked material. The conforming layer and the marking layerare preferably at least partially contiguous and/or are directlyinterconnected with each other. Such a marking tape preferably is freeof a fibrous layer.

In a further alternative aspect, the invention provides a marking tapefor application on pavement, the marking tape comprising a core layerand an adhesive layer; wherein the adhesive layer is adapted forretaining the marking tape on the pavement; and the core layer beingformed of a combination of a conforming layer of a thermoplasticmaterial, a marking layer of a cross-linked material, and a nettinglayer; wherein the conforming layer and the marking layer are in contactover at least a portion of their extent (i.e. are at least partiallycontiguous) and wherein the netting layer is at least partially embeddedin the conforming layer and/or the adhesive layer.

The invention is advantageous in that it preferably provides for amarking tape having a relatively small thickness and having relativelyhigh durability. The invention further allows for a so-called coldapplication of marking tape. Additionally it has been found that inresponse of traffic rolling over the tape the thermoplastic layerprovides potential to gradually plastically conform to irregularities inthe pavement after application of the marking tape, and thus may buildup mechanical engagement with the pavement in use of the tape.Consequently the shear strength of the interconnection between thepavement and the marking tape may increase with increasing trafficrolling over the tape. Such self-adapting shear strength may help inmaximizing traffic security because the marking tape may reliably stayin place. On the other hand marking tape which is intended for temporaryuse may remain easily removable over a certain period of time in whichthe conforming layer has conformed only to a limited extent. Further theinvention is advantageous in that it provides for a relativelydimensionally stable marking tape. The marking tape of the inventionfurther may be relatively inexpensive and lightweight.

In one embodiment the marking tape is a temporary marking tape. Such atemporary marking tape is preferably adapted for removable placement ona road surface, like for example used in a construction work zone.Thereby the marking tape is preferably removable by pulling the tape offfrom the road surface. Thus the road surface may not be adverselyaffected by removal of the tape. Further this may be achieved by use ofrelatively inexpensive equipment. This is in contrast to grinding thetape or marking off which in some case might damage the road surface.Further in contrast to removing tape by use of a high pressure water jetor grinding device the marking tape of the invention may not requirecomparatively expensive equipment for removal from the road.

In an alternative embodiment the marking tape is a permanent markingtape. Such a permanent marking tape is preferably adapted for fixedlyretaining on the road surface. Typically such a permanent marking tapecannot be pulled off from the road surface easily and typically tearsupon attempting pulling it off from the road surface.

In a preferred embodiment the fibrous layer comprises a netting layer.The fibrous layer may, in addition, comprise a nonwoven layer. In oneembodiment fibrous layer comprises a netting layer and a nonwoven layer.The netting layer and the nonwoven layer may be laminated or otherwisefixed with each other to form a composite netting/nonwoven fibrouslayer.

The nonwoven layer may comprise a spunbond or a melt blown nonwoven. Thefibers which form the nonwoven layer may be made of polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyamide(PA) or another suitable polymer. The nonwoven layer may have aparticular area weight selected from a range of about 6 g/m² to about150 g/m², most preferable from a range of about 15 g/m² to about 80g/m².

In a further embodiment the conforming layer is at least partiallyarranged between the netting layer and the nonwoven layer. In particularthe netting layer and the nonwoven layer may be at least partiallyembedded within the conforming layer.

In one embodiment a predominant part of the netting layer with respectto its thickness in a plane perpendicular to the tape length is embeddedwithin the conforming layer, and the remaining part protrudes over theconforming layer. In this embodiment the nonwoven layer may be entirelyor partially embedded in the conforming layer with respect to itsthickness in a plane perpendicular to the tape length. Alternativelythis embodiment may only have a netting layer, for example may notcomprise a nonwoven layer.

In one embodiment a part, a predominant part or the whole of the nettinglayer with respect to its thickness in a plane perpendicular to the tapelength may be embedded within the adhesive layer, and the remaining part(if any) may protrude outside the adhesive layer. In this embodiment apart or the whole of the remaining part (if any) of the netting layer(which protrudes outside the adhesive layer) may be embedded in theconforming layer.

In a further embodiment a predominant part of the nonwoven layer or theentire nonwoven layer with respect to its thickness in a planeperpendicular to the tape length is embedded within the conforminglayer, and the remaining part, if present, protrudes over the conforminglayer. This embodiment may only have a nonwoven layer, for example maynot comprise a netting layer.

In one embodiment the thermoplastic material is a thermoplasticelastomer (TPE) having both, thermoplastic and elastomeric properties.The thermoplastic material may be selected from among at least one ofstyrenic block copolymers, polyolefin and blends thereof, elastomericalloys (TPE-v or TPV), thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplasticcopolyesters and thermoplastic polyamides. The thermoplastic materialmay further comprise combinations thereof. In another embodiment theconforming layer is a thermoplastic material with conforming propertiesand may or may not contain suitable amount of fillers or master batchesbased on above mentioned resin types.

Examples of commercially available TPE products are known under thedesignation Arnitel (from the company DSM N.V.), Engage™ (Dow Chemical),Hytrel® (Du Pont), Lotryl (Arkema) Dryflex® and Mediprene® (ELASTOLtd.), and Kraton™ (Kraton). TPU elastomers are commercially availableunder trade-names like Elastollan from BASF, Estane from Lubrizol andDesmopan from Bayer Material Science.

Further exemplary thermoplastic materials are listed in the examplesunder A1 to A 24 below.

In a preferred embodiment the thermoplastic material contains polarfunctional groups or elements. The presence of such polar functionalgroups or elements preferably provides for a good adhesion with afurther material, in particular with the material the marking layer ismade of and/or with the material the adhesive layer is made of.Functional groups for the purpose of this specification incorporate forexample ester, ether, urethane, ketone, carbonyl, aldehyde, alcohol orcarbon acid or similar.

Preferably, in one embodiment, the thermoplastic material may comprise amixture of two or more thermoplastic materials, for example a polyolefinand a polyurethane. More preferably, the thermoplastic material maycomprise a mixture of two or more polyolefins.

The marking tape may have an extruded thickness in the range 10 μm to1000 μm, preferably 100 μm to 700 μm, more preferably 150 μm to 450 μm.Generally, the whole marking tape will have a thickness in the range 1to 2 mm.

Preferably, the marking tape, with the fibrous layer removed, may havean E modulus in the range 10 to 140 N/mm², preferably 20 to 90 N/mm²,more preferably 30 to 80 N/mm², and most preferably 30 to 60 N/mm². Ifthe E modulus is too high then conformation properties are reduced. Ifthe E modulus is too low the material is likely to be too easilyremoved, in use.

Preferably, the marking tape, with the fibrous layer removed, may havean inelastic deformation of 5% or higher, preferably of 10% or higher.The marking tape, with the fibrous layer removed, may have an inelasticdeformation in the range 5% to 100%, preferably 10 to 80%, or 10% to60%, more preferably 10 to 25% and most preferably 10 to 20%.

In the most preferred embodiments, the marking tape, with the fibrouslayer removed, may have both an E modulus in the range 10 to 140 N/mm²,preferably 20 to 90 N/mm², more preferably 30 to 80 N/mm², and mostpreferably 30 to 60 N/mm² and respectively an inelastic deformation inthe ranges discussed above.

In a further embodiment the cross-linked material is selected from atleast one of a polyurethane, epoxy, (meth)acrylate, acrylic, phenol oranother material containing chemical reactive groups, includingcombinations thereof. Thermosetting polymers are preferred.

In one embodiment the marking layer may be formed of a polyurethanewhich comprises polar chains Thus the polar chains of the polyurethaneand the polar functional groups or elements of the thermoplasticmaterial may interact and/or interlace with each other. Accordingly anexcellent bond between the conforming layer and the marking layer may beachieved. The interconnection may be further reinforced by the nonwovenlayer which may additionally bridge the interconnection.

In one embodiment the adhesive layer comprises a pressure sensitiveadhesive (PSA). The pressure sensitive adhesive may be selected suchthat it allows for the marking tape to be pressed against a roadway foradhering it removably thereto. Different types of adhesives may beemployed, both chemical and mechanical types. Pressure sensitiveadhesives are typically and preferably aggressively and permanentlytacky at room temperature, adhere to substrates without the need formore than hand pressure, and require no activation by water, solvent orheat. Suitable pressure-sensitive adhesives include rubber-resinadhesives as taught in Freeman, U.S. Pat. No. 3,451,537, and acrylatecopolymers as taught in Ulrich, U.S. Pat. No. Re. 24,906.

Pressure sensitive adhesives useful in the present invention includenon-tackified rubber adhesives, tackified rubber adhesives, such asnatural rubber, olefins, silicones, polyisoprene, polybutadiene,polyurethanes, styrene-isoprene-styrene, and styrene-butadiene-styreneblock copolymers, and other related elastomers; and tackified oruntackified acrylic adhesives such as copolymers which can bepolymerized by radiation, solution, suspension, or emulsion techniques.Crosslinked adhesives are preferred, especially those pressure-sensitiveadhesives crosslinked to provide high shear strength. A pressuresensitive adhesive may further be selected from hot melts or heatactivated adhesives that are pressure sensitive at least at the time ofapplication. In a particular embodiment the pressure sensitive adhesivemay be based on an acrylic polymer. Particularly useful pressuresensitive adhesives may include acrylic polymers comprising repeatingunits of one or more alkyl (meth)acrylates of which the alkyl group hasfrom 1 to 20 carbon atoms, for example 4 to 12 carbon atoms. Examples ofalkyl (meth)acrylate monomers that may be used include isobornyl(meth)acrylate, ethyl(meth)acrylate, butyl(meth)acrylate, iso-octyl(meth)acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl (meth)acrylate and the like. The acrylicpolymer may contain co-monomers including polar co-monomers such asethylenically unsaturated acid monomers including for example(meth)acrylic acid and itaconic acid. The present invention may alsoinclude a stretch release pavement marking tape. Suitable adhesives maybe those described in WO92/11333. The adhesive layer is preferablyarranged on the conforming layer, in particular directly on theconforming layer. A part of the netting layer protruding from theconforming layer may be embedded in the adhesive layer. This may helpmaximizing the shear strength of the interconnection between theconforming layer and the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer may becovered by a removable liner. The liner may prevent different portionsof the marking tape wound on a roll to stick together and thus mayfacilitate unwinding. The skilled person will however recognize theliner is optional.

In one embodiment the marking tape further comprises a multiplicity ofreflective and/or retroreflective elements. The marking tape may forexample comprise a multiplicity of retroreflective micro beads.

The marking tape may further comprise an anti-skid material. Such ananti-skid material may comprise a multiplicity of granules having sharpedges which protrude over a surface of the marking layer. The markingtape may thus help maximizing safety in use of the tape in traffic.

In one embodiment the marking tape is provided with a color pigment, forexample yellow or white. The color pigment may be provided in themarking layer and/or the conforming layer. In one embodiment the markingtape may have a generally clear, for example transparent or translucent,marking layer and a conforming layer which comprises the color pigment.

In a further embodiment the marking tape further is coated with asilicone on one or both sides, for example on the marking layer. Thismay hinder tape portions from adhering with other tape portions duringstorage in a roll and during unwinding from the roll.

Generally the marking layer preferably forms an outside layer of themarking tape (eventually coated with silicone) and the adhesive layerpreferably forms an opposite further outside layer (eventually coveredby a removable liner). The conforming layer is preferably arrangedbetween the marking layer and the adhesive layer.

In one embodiment the marking tape comprises a generally flat or astructured surface. The structured surface may be formed by amultiplicity of protrusions protruding from a surface of the markingtape. For example the conforming layer may form a multiplicity of bulgesor studs on its surface which are at least partially covered or coatedby the marking layer. For example the marking layer may cover only theend of the protrusions or the end and lateral faces of the protrusions.Further the marking layer may cover the overall structured surface ofthe conforming layer in the form of a layer of a generally uniformthickness. A structured marking tape may provide for maximizing thedurability, in particular maximizing the durability of retroreflectiveproperties. For example although the protrusions may be abradedpartially over time reflective elements arranged on lateral surfaces ofthe protrusions may still provide for retroreflectivity of the tape.

In a further aspect the invention relates to a method of applying amarking tape on pavement. The method comprises the steps of:

-   -   providing a marking tape of any of the preceding claims which        comprises a conforming layer of a thermoplastic material and an        adhesive layer;    -   placing a portion of the tape oriented with the adhesive layer        on the pavement; and    -   pressing the portion of the tape on the pavement while        maintaining the marking tape at a temperature within a range of        about −20° C. to about 60° C. preferably 10° C. to about 50° C.

In one example the method of applying a marking tape on pavementcomprises the step of providing a primer on the road surface. The primerpreferably is adapted to bind dirt, dust or other particles on the roadsurface and further is preferably adapted to interact with the adhesivelayer of the marking tape. Thus a good bond of the marking tape on theroad surface may be achieved.

In still a further aspect the invention relates to a method ofmanufacturing a marking tape. The method comprises the steps of:

-   -   providing thermoplastic material, a cross-linkable material, a        fibrous layer, and an adhesive;    -   merging the thermoplastic material, the cross-linkable material,        the fibrous layer, and the adhesive to form a marking tape        according to the invention.

In one embodiment the method comprises the step of extruding thethermoplastic material to form a conforming layer. The thermoplasticmaterial may be an extrudate of a single thermoplastic material or acoextrudate of two or more different thermoplastic materials. Preferablythe step of extruding the thermoplastic material comprises extruding thethermoplastic material through a flat film die. The so extruded flatfilm may be guided through at least one pair of rollers. One or bothrollers optionally have a structured surface to provide the conforminglayer with a structured surface. The extruded film may further becalendered to a desired thickness.

In one embodiment the method comprises the step of providing a nettinglayer. The method may further comprise the step of combining the nettinglayer and the conforming layer. Such combination may be provided byjointly hot laminating the netting layer and the conforming layer. Thispreferably causes the netting layer to at least partially embed in theconforming layer. Alternatively, the combination may be provided byusing an adhesive to adhere the netting layer and the conforming layer.

In a further embodiment the method comprises the step of providing anonwoven layer. The method may further comprise the step of combiningthe nonwoven layer and the conforming layer. Such combination may beprovided by jointly hot laminating the nonwoven layer and the conforminglayer. This preferably causes the nonwoven layer to at least partiallyembed in the conforming layer. Alternatively, the combination may beprovided by using an adhesive to adhere the nonwoven layer and theconforming layer.

In a further embodiment, the method comprises the steps of providing thenon-woven layer, the netting layer, and the conforming layer, andcombining these three layers. The combination may be provided by hotcalendering the three layers. For example the conforming layer maybearranged on a combination of the netting layer and the nonwoven layerand the non woven layer may only be partially embedded in the conforminglayer.

In still a further embodiment the method comprises the step of providinga nonwoven layer and a netting layer for forming, in combination, thefibrous layer. The method may further comprise the step of combining thenonwoven layer, the netting layer and the conforming layer. Thereby thenetting layer and the nonwoven layer may be arranged on the conforminglayer on opposite sides. The combination may be provided by jointly hotlaminating the nonwoven layer, the netting layer and the conforminglayer. This preferably causes the nonwoven and/or netting layer to atleast partially embed in the conforming layer. In a further embodimentthe method further comprises the step of arranging a second conforminglayer on the first conforming layer with one of the nonwoven layer andthe netting layer arranged between. The method may further comprise thestep of arranging a third conforming layer on the first conforming layerwith the other one of the nonwoven layer and the netting layer arrangedbetween. Thus a sandwich of three conforming layers may be formed witheach of the nonwoven layer and the netting layer being enclosed betweentwo of the three conforming layers.

The method may further comprise the steps of:

-   -   running the nonwoven layer over a first roller and the netting        layer over a second roller;    -   providing the thermoplastic material between the nonwoven layer        and the netting layer, and thereby forming a conforming layer;    -   pressing the nonwoven-layer, the thermoplastic material and the        netting layer between the first and second rollers. The pressing        may be performed by involvement of laminating and/or        calendering.

In one embodiment the method comprises the steps of providing across-linkable material, and coating the cross-linkable material ontothe conforming layer. In particular the method may comprise the step ofcoating the cross-linkable material on the netting layer and/or thenonwoven layer arranged on the conforming layer.

In one embodiment the method comprises the step of coextruding theconforming layer from at least two thermoplastic materials that may bethe same or different. Accordingly the method may comprise the step ofcoextruding one or multiple layers with at least two optionallydifferent thermoplastic materials to form the conforming layer. At leastone of thermoplastic materials preferably has polar functional groups orelements. Thus a conforming layer may be provided which is adapted forbonding with a cross-linkable or cross-linked material of a markinglayer. Alternatively the at least two optionally different thermoplasticmaterials may be extruded individually and merged as long as thematerials have not entirely hardened. Such merging may be performed byjointly running the extruded materials through a pair of rollers orthrough a calender. Further the at least two optionally differentthermoplastic materials may be extruded individually, cooled to harden,and subsequently may be merged by calendering. Thereby the twooptionally different thermoplastic materials may be re-heated by thecalender for merging.

In one embodiment the method comprises the step of coating thecross-linkable material on the conforming layer. The cross-linkablematerial may be coated in a generally liquid form onto the conforminglayer. Preferably the cross-linkable material is coated on the nonwovenside (if present) of the conforming layer. The method may furthercomprise the step of depositing a multiplicity of reflective elementsand optionally anti-skid particles onto the non-hardened cross-linkablematerial. The method may still further comprise the step of hardeningthe cross-linkable material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1 to 5 are cross-sectional views of marking tapes according tovarious embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating a method of manufacturing a partof a marking tape according to the invention; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating a further method ofmanufacturing a part of a marking tape according to the invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a marking tape according to afurther embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of a marking tape according to a yetfurther embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating a further method ofmanufacturing a part of a marking tape according to FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a cross-section of a marking tape 10. The cross-sectionshown in the Figure relates to a cross-section in a plane perpendicularto a length or longitudinal dimension of the tape. The marking tape hasa thickness T and a width W laterally to the longitudinal dimension. Thethickness typically refers a dimension of the tape generallyperpendicular to a surface on which the tape may be applied, for examplethe dimension in which the tape protrudes from that surface when appliedthereto. The dimensions of other structures of the marking tape arereferred to herein as “length”, “width” and “thickness” accordingly.

The marking tape has a core layer 11 which comprises a conforming layer12 and a marking layer 13. The conforming layer 12 in the exampleconsists of a thermoplastic material as defined in this specification.Further the marking layer 13 in the example consists of a cross-linkedmaterial as defined in this specification. A netting layer 14 and anonwoven layer 15 are embedded within the core layer 11. In particularthe netting layer 14 is embedded in the conforming layer 12. Preferablyin more particular the netting layer 14 is arranged outside the markinglayer 13. Further the netting layer 14 may be predominantly embeddedwithin the conforming layer 12 and may partially protrude from aboundary of the conforming layer 12 in a dimension of the tape thicknessT. The marking tape 10 further has an adhesive layer 16 for retainingthe marking tape on a surface, for example a surface of pavement or aroad surface. The marking tape further may have a liner (not shown)which covers the adhesive layer 16. The adhesive layer 16 is arranged onthe core layer 11, in particular on the side of the core layer carryingthe conforming layer 12. The part of the netting layer 14 whichprotrudes over the conforming layer 12 preferably is embedded within theadhesive layer. Thus the shear strength of the bond between theconforming layer 12 and the adhesive layer 16 may be maximized A shearload to the tape may for example be caused by a vehicle over-rolling thetape, in particular along a curve or during increasing or reducingspeed.

The marking layer 13 and the conforming layer in the example aredirectly interconnected with each other. For example the interconnectionmay not comprise any additional adhesive or other bonding material. Thenonwoven layer 15 in the example is partly embedded within theconforming layer 12 and additionally partly embedded in the markinglayer 13. Thus also the shear strength of the bond between theconforming layer 12 and the marking layer 13 may be maximized. In thisembodiment the nonwoven layer 15 and the netting layer 14 in combinationform a fibrous layer, and that fibrous layer extends over theinterconnection of the marking layer 13 with the conforming layer 12 aswell over the interconnection of the conforming layer 12 with theadhesive layer 16. It has been found that thus a relatively durablemarking tape construction is formed.

The marking tape in the example further has a multiplicity of reflectiveelements 17. In the example the reflective elements comprise glass beadsas defined in this specification which are at least partially embeddedwithin the marking layer 13. During manufacturing of the marking tapethe nonwoven layer may form a support for the reflective elements 17.

For example the marking tape shown may be obtained by pre-manufacturingthe conforming layer including the netting layer 14 and the nonwovenlayer 15 to form a precursor of the core layer 11. Such a core layerprecursor has a side from which a part of the nonwoven layer 15protrudes from the conforming layer 12, and the protruding part of thenonwoven layer is preferably not saturated by the thermoplasticmaterial. A cross-linkable material for forming the marking layer 13 maybe subsequently coated on the nonwoven side of this core layer precursorand saturate the protruding part of the nonwoven layer 15. Reflectiveelements 17 may be deposited into the still non-hardened cross-linkablematerial. Thereby the nonwoven layer preferably limits the sinking ofreflective elements 17 into the soft cross-linkable material so that thereflective elements 17 finally protrude from the marking layer to apredetermined extent and therefore provide the marking tape with areflective or retroreflective property.

Further the thickness of the coating may be selected such that only afew layers or substantially a single layer of reflective elements aresufficient to provide the marking tape 10 with reflective orretroreflective properties. On the other hand although only a relativelythin portion of the marking layer comprises reflective elements themarking layer may be maximized in thickness because the other portion ofthe marking layer extends into the nonwoven layer. This allows formaximizing the thickness of the marking layer independent from theamount of reflective elements needed and without use of a multilayerconstruction for the marking layer. This may be advantageous in that amaximized marking layer may help in providing a maximized strength andopacity. At the same time the amount of reflective elements may beminimized.

FIG. 2 shows a marking tape 10′ which is identical to the marking tape10 of FIG. 1 except that the nonwoven layer 15 is predominantly orentirely embedded within the conforming layer. In this exampleconsequently the marking layer 13′ may be thinner than the marking layer13 in FIG. 1 because the thickness of the nonwoven layer 15 availablefor receiving cross-linkable material for forming the marking layer isreduced relative to the example in FIG. 1. The so formed marking tapemay be minimized in thickness and thus for example allow for a maximizedamount to be supplied on a roll. However in another example the markinglayer may be obtained by an alternative manufacturing method and thusmay have any desired thickness (although not shown).

FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a marking tape 20. The marking tape 20has a core layer 21 comprising a conforming layer 22 and a marking layer23. Again the conforming layer 22 in the example consists of athermoplastic material as defined in this specification, and the markinglayer 23 in the example consists of a cross-linked material as definedin this specification. A netting layer 24 is embedded within the corelayer 21. In particular the netting layer 24 is embedded in theconforming layer 22, and in more particular the netting layer 24 ispreferably arranged outside the marking layer 23. The netting layer 24may be predominantly embedded within the conforming layer 12 and maypartially protrude from a boundary of the conforming layer 22 in adimension of the tape thickness. The marking tape 20 further has anadhesive layer 26. A liner (not shown) may cover the adhesive layer 26.The adhesive layer 26 is arranged on the side of the core layer 21 whichcarries the conforming layer 22. The part of the netting layer 24 whichprotrudes over the conforming layer 22 preferably is embedded within theadhesive layer 26. Further the marking layer 23 and the conforming layer22 in the example are directly interconnected with each other.

The marking tape in the example further has a multiplicity of reflectiveelements 27. In the example the reflective elements comprise glass beadsas defined in this specification which are at least partially embeddedwithin the marking layer 23. During manufacturing of the marking tapethe conforming layer 22 may form a support for the reflective elements17. The example shown does not comprise a nonwoven layer but onlynetting layer 24. In this embodiment the netting layer 24 forms afibrous layer.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of a marking tape 30. The marking tape hasa core layer 31 which comprises a conforming layer 32 and a markinglayer 33. The conforming layer 32 in the example consists of athermoplastic material as defined in this specification. Further themarking layer 33 in the example consists of a cross-linked material asdefined in this specification. The marking tape 30 further has anadhesive layer 36 for retaining the marking tape 30 on a surface. Theadhesive layer 36 is arranged on the conforming layer 32.

The marking layer 33 and the conforming layer 32 in the example aredirectly interconnected with each other. The nonwoven layer 35 in theexample is partly embedded within the conforming layer 32 andadditionally partly embedded in the marking layer 33. Thus the shearstrength of the bond between the conforming layer 32 and the markinglayer 33 may be maximized. The example shown does not comprise a nettinglayer but only nonwoven layer 35. In this embodiment the nonwoven layer35 forms a fibrous layer.

The marking tape in the example further has a multiplicity of reflectiveelements 37 and optionally skids. In the example the reflective elementscomprise glass beads which are at least partially embedded within themarking layer 33. During manufacturing of the marking tape the nonwovenlayer may form a support for the reflective elements 37 as describedabove.

FIG. 5 shows a marking tape 30′ which is identical to the marking tapeshown in FIG. 4 except that the non-woven layer is entirely embeddedwithin the conforming layer 32. This may provide for a marking layerhaving a minimized thickness as outlined in example of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method of manufacturing at least part of a markingtape according to the invention. The example shows a manufacturing line100 comprising an extruder 101 equipped with a flat film die 102, and apair of rollers 103 which are arranged at a predetermined distancerelative to each other to form a predetermined clearance between.Optionally the rollers have a structured surface (not shown) forproviding raised and/or recessed structures on the marking tape. Anonwoven layer 5 and a netting layer 4 are provided between the rollers103. However the skilled person will recognize that in an alternativeexample only a netting layer 4 or a non-woven layer 5 may be used withthe method illustrated in the example. In the example shown the nonwovenlayer 5 and the netting layer 4 are jointly provided from generally thesame direction and guided on the entry side of the pair of rollers overonly one of the rollers 103. The jointly supplied nonwoven layer 5 andthe netting layer 4 together form a precursor 8 of a fibrous layer.Further a thermoplastic material 2 is extruded from the extruder 101 andguided between the pair of rollers 103 along with the fibrous layerprecursor 8. In the example shown the fibrous layer precursor 8 and theextruded thermoplastic material 2 are guided such that the netting layer4 runs between the nonwoven layer 5 and the thermoplastic material 2.The thermoplastic material 2 and the fibrous layer precursor 8 aremerged between the rollers 103. In the example shown the softthermoplastic material 2 extruded from the extruder 101 is urged by therollers 103 to penetrate the fibrous layer precursor 8. In particularthe thermoplastic material 2 penetrates the fibrous layer precursor 8 ina direction from the netting layer 4 toward the nonwoven layer 5.Accordingly the method may be controlled such that thermoplasticmaterial 2 saturates the netting layer 4 entirely and the nonwoven layer5 partly or entirely. The degree of saturation of the nonwoven layer 5may particularly be adjustable. For example the temperature of thethermoplastic material 2 and the distance of the rollers 103 to eachother may be selected such that the netting layer 4 gets entirelysaturated by the thermoplastic material 2, whereas the nonwoven layer 5gets only partially saturated by the thermoplastic material 2. Althoughnot illustrated a so formed precursor 1 of a core layer 1 may besubsequently coated by cross-linkable material, provided with reflectiveelements and an adhesive layer added to form a marking tape according tothe invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative method of manufacturing at least partof a marking tape according to the invention. The example shows the samemanufacturing line 100 as shown in FIG. 6. A nonwoven layer 5 and anetting layer 4 are provided between the rollers 103. In the exampleshown the nonwoven layer 5 and the netting layer 4 are providedseparately from each other from generally opposite directions. Thenonwoven layer 5 is guided over one of the rolls of the rollers 103 andthe netting layer 4 is guided over the other one of the rollers 103 onthe entry side of the pair of rollers 103. The thermoplastic material 2is extruded from the extruder 101 and guided between the nonwoven layer5 and the netting layer 4. The thermoplastic material 2 and the nonwovenlayer 5 and netting layer 4 are merged between the rollers 103. In theexample the soft thermoplastic material 2 extruded from the extruder 101and the nonwoven layer 5 and netting layer 4 are urged toward each otherby the rollers 103 so that the thermoplastic material 2 penetrates thenetting layer 4 as well as the nonwoven layer 5. The netting layer 4 mayhave larger open cells than the nonwoven layer 5 and thus may establisha lower resistance against saturation by thermoplastic material 2 thanthe nonwoven layer 5. Accordingly the thermoplastic material 2 maysaturate the netting layer 4 to a greater extent than the nonwoven layer5. A so formed precursor 1 of a core layer may for example be used toprovide a marking tape as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 shows a marking tape which is similar to the marking shown inFIG. 3 except that the netting layer 24 is outside of the conforminglayer 22 and is embedded within the adhesive layer 26.

FIG. 9 shows a marking tape which is similar to that shown in FIG. 3,except that the conforming layer comprises two, co-extruded subconforming layers 22 and 22′. The netting is encapsulated (i.e.embedded) between the two sub conforming layers 22 and 22′.

FIG. 10 illustrates a method of manufacturing at least part of a markingtape according to FIG. 9. The example shows two extruders 101 eachequipped with a flat film die 102, and a pair of rollers 103 which arearranged at a predetermined distance relative to each other to form apredetermined clearance between. Optionally the rollers have astructured surface (not shown) for providing raised and/or recessedstructures on the marking tape. A fibrous layer consisting only of anetting layer 4 is provided between the rollers 103. However the skilledperson will recognize that in an alternative example a fibrous layerconsisting of either a non-woven layer 5 only or both a netting layer 4and a non-woven layer 5 may be used with the method illustrated in theexample. In the example shown the netting layer 4 is provided fromgenerally the same direction and guided on the entry side of the pair ofrollers centrally between the two rollers 103. Further a thermoplasticmaterial 2 is extruded from one of the extruders 101 and a thermoplasticmaterial 2′ is extruded from the other extruder 101 and guided betweenthe pair of rollers 103 on either side of the netting layer 4. Thethermoplastic materials 2 and 2′ may be the same or different. In theexample shown the thermoplastic materials 2 and 2′ are extruded oneither side of the netting layer 4 which is therefore embedded betweenthem.

Although not illustrated a so formed precursor 1 of a core layer 1 maybe subsequently coated by cross-linkable material, provided withreflective elements and an adhesive layer added to form a marking tapeaccording to the invention.

Other examples may comprise other variations of the methods described byway of example only. In one example the thermoplastic material may beextruded in the form of two or more strands of thermoplastic materialand combined with the netting layer and/or the nonwoven layer. Forexample two extruded strands of thermoplastic material may be runbetween the nonwoven layer and the netting layer. One of the extrudedfilms may in one example entirely saturate the nonwoven layer and theother film may entirely or partially saturate the netting layer. In suchexamples the thermoplastic material may be coextruded or individuallyextruded and merged before merging with further layers.

In another example the thermoplastic material may be extruded and cooledto form a thermoplastic film which subsequently may be laminated orcalendered with the netting layer and/or nonwoven layer to form a corelayer precursor. Such core layer precursor may then be coated with thecross-linkable material.

In any of the examples described individual extruded layers or mergedlayers may be calendered to provide the marking tape or precursors of itwith a desired and precise thickness.

EXAMPLES

The following list A1-A10 describes the thermoplastic raw materials andfillers used to extrude and/or co-extrude the conforming layer.

A1. Thermoplastic Polyurethane elastomer—Elastolan™ 1185 A—availablefrom BASF; polyether based; elongation 600%; tensile strength 45 MPa;MFI (190° C./2.16 kg) 30 g/10 min.; extruded as film with a thickness of50-1000 μm, preferably 100-700 μm, most preferably 150-450 μm.

A2. Thermoplastic olefin elastomer—Engage™ 8411—available from DowChemical; ethane-octene elastomer; elongation 1000%; tensile strength7.3 MPa; MFI (190° C./2.16 kg) 18 g/10 min.; extruded as film with athickness of 50-1000 μm, preferably 100-700 μm, most preferably 150-450μm.

A3. Thermoplastic olefin elastomer—Infuse™ 9817—available from DowChemical; ethane-octene block co-polymer; elongation 1540%; tensilestrength 2.4 MPa; MFI (190° C./2.16 kg) 15 g/10 min.; extruded as filmwith a thickness of 50-1000 μm, preferably 100-700 μm, most preferably150-450 μm.

A4. Thermoplastic olefin elastomer—Infuse™ 9530—available from DowChemical; ethane-octene block co-polymer; elongation 1000%; tensilestrength 7.4 MPa; MFI (190° C./2.16 kg) 5 g/10 min.; extruded as filmwith a thickness of 50-1000 μm, preferably 100-700 μm, most preferably150-450 μm.

A5. Functional polyolefin copolymer Lotryl™ 24 MA005—available fromArkema; Random copolymer of ethylene and methyl acrylate; elongation750%; tensile strength 17 MPa; MFI (190° C./2.16 kg) 0.4-0.6 g/10 min.;extruded as film with a thickness of 50-1000 μm, preferably 100-700 μm,most preferably 150-450 μm.

A6. Functional polyolefin copolymer Lotryl™ 20MA08—available fromArkema; Random copolymer of ethylene and methyl acrylate; elongation800%; tensile strength 9 MPa; MFI (190° C./2.16 kg) 7-9 g/10 min.;extruded as film with a thickness of 50-1000 μm, preferably 100-700 μm,most preferably 150-450 μm.

A7. Coextruded film of a functional polyolefin copolymer Lotryl™ 24MA005—available from Arkema; Random copolymer of ethylene and methylacrylate; elongation 750%; tensile strength 17 MPa; MFI (190° C./2.16kg) 0.4-0.6 g/10 min. and a functional maleic anhydride graftedpolymer—available under the trade name Amplify GR216 supplied by DowChemical; MFI (190° C./2.16 kg) 1.3 g/10 min.; elongation 1000%; tensilestrength 8.96 MPa; coextruded film with a thickness of 50-1000 μm,preferably 100-700 μm, most preferably 150-450 μm whereas the AmplifyGR216 layer comprises 5%-70% of the total extruded film thickness,preferably 10%-50%. Depending on the number of layers amount maybehigher.

A8. Coextruded film of a low density polyethylene resin Dow LDPE 150Eavailable from Dow Chemical; and a functional maleic anhydride graftedpolymer—available under the trade name Amplify GR216 supplied by DowChemical; MFI (190° C./2.16 kg) 1.3 g/10 min.; elongation 1000%; tensilestrength 8.96 MPa; coextruded film with a thickness of 50-1000 μm,preferably 100-700 μm, most preferably 150-450 μm whereas the AmplifyGR216 layer comprises 5%-70% of the total extruded film thickness,preferably 10%-50%. Depending on the number of layers amount maybehigher.

A9. Thermoplastic co-polyester, high molecular weight, slightlycrystalline available from Evonik Degussa GmbH under the trade name ofDynacoll™ S 1401, S1402, S EP1408 and similar grades. Film coated viaheated laboratory knife coater with a thickness of 50-1000 μm,preferably 100-700 μm, most preferably 150-450 μm between two siliconzedpaper liners.

A10. Functional maleic anhydride grafted polymer—available under thetrade name Amplify GR216 supplied by Dow Chemical; MFI (190° C./2.16 kg)1.3 g/10 min.; elongation 1000%; tensile strength 8.96 MPa; extruded asfilm with a thickness of 50-1000 μm, preferably 100-700 μm, mostpreferably 150-450 μm.

The thicknesses specified for the materials A1 to A10 refer to flat ornon-structured types of marking tape. For structured marking tapesgreater thicknesses are preferably used.

The following listings B1-B4 and C1 to C2 refer to exemplary fibrousmaterials (nonwoven and netting):

B1. Mogul, Turkey; spunbond 17 gsm

B2. Johns Manville, Germany; JM 478-25 spunbond 25 g/m²

B3. Johns Manville, Germany; JM 568-40 spunbond 40 g/m²

B4. Johns Manville, Germany; JM688-80 spunbond 80 g/m²

C1. Highland Industries, USA; Polyester scrim; Weight: 45 g/m².

C2. Dotex Wirkwaren GmbH, Germany; Polyester scrim; Weight 40 g/m².

The following table 1 refers to a formulation of a polyurethane materialD as it may be used for an exemplary marking layer. Although thecompositions and/or components listed in the table (as elsewhere in thisspecification) are available as different grades or types available fromdifferent suppliers, various of these different compositions and/orcomponents seem to be likewise suitable for use with the presentinvention. The preferred thickness of such a layer or layers is within arange of about 50 μm to 500 μm, for example provided by coating.

TABLE 1 Generic raw material name Molecular weight Composition Polyol 1300 12.5 Polyol 2 900 6 Polyol 3 930 1 Filler 7 Additive package 3Catalyst 0.02 Pigment 16.5 Solvent 4 Aliphatic 191 50 polyisocyanate(equivalent weight)

The following listing E1 to E3 refers to reflective elements as they maybe used with the present invention.

E1. 1.5 index glass beads with a size distribution of about 600 μm toabout 1300 μm

E2. Corundum with a size distribution of about 500 μm to about 2000 μm

E3. 3M Reflective Elements (sandcore beads as disclosed in patentdocument US 2008/0280034)

Examples 1 to 3

A marking tape was manufactured by sequential coating/lamination using alaboratory knife coater heated to about 140° C. The tape wasmanufactured by the following steps:

-   -   Coating of a layer of thermoplastic elastomer of the type A9        between two silicone coated liners to form a conforming layer        between the liners;    -   placing a spunbond nonwoven of the type B4 between the        conforming layer and one of the liners;    -   laminating the spunbond nonwoven and the conforming layer to        embed the spunbond nonwoven in the conforming layer by use of a        hand roller;    -   in Examples 1 and 2: placing a netting layer of the C1 on the        side of the conforming layer opposite of the spunbond nonwoven;    -   in Examples 1 and 2: laminating the netting layer and the        conforming layer to embed the netting layer in the conforming        layer by use of a hand roller;    -   coating of a 250 μm polyurethane marking layer D on the        conforming layer on the side of the spunbond nonwoven using the        knife coater;        -   coating of beads, skids and eventually further reflective            elements onto the polyurethane marking layer;        -   curing of the polyurethane marking layer in a ventilated            oven for about 10 minutes at 120° C.        -   Lamination of an adhesive on the side opposite of the            polyurethane marking layer.

For making the conforming layer the knife coater was set to a coatinggap of typically 100 μm to 150 μm and the coater was heated up to atemperature of 140° C. Prior to the coating operation the thermoplasticelastomer was molten in a ventilated oven.

Materials used (see Table 2 and the following particular materials):

-   -   conforming layer (Example 1): Dynapol S-1201    -   conforming layer (Example 2): Dynapol S-1202    -   conforming layer (Example 3): Dynapol EP1408

Examples 4-14

A marking tape was manufactured by extruding the conforming layer to thefibrous layer and/or netting layer using an extruder or respectivelycoextruder. The construction was completed by coating a 250 μmpolyurethane marking layer on the side of the spunbond nonwoven (ifpresent) using a knife coater followed by depositing the beads, skidsand further reflective elements onto the polyurethane marking layer andcuring the obtained marking tape in a ventilated oven for about 10minutes at 120° C.

Following table shows a list of examples conducted in accordance withthe present invention.

TABLE 2 Example → Construction Example Example Example Example ExampleExample Example Example Example Example Example Comparative ↓ 4 5 6 7 89 10 11 12 13 14 Example Conforming A9 A9 A9 A5 A7 A7 Al Al Al A3 A4 NBRrubber layer based Nonwoven B4 B4 B4 B4 B4 B4 — B4 B4 B4 B4 — layerNetting layer C1 C2 — C1 — C1 C1 — C1 — — C2 Marking D D D D D D D — D —— D layer Reflective E1-E3 E1-E3 E1-E3 E1-E3 — E1-E3 — — E1-E3 — — E1-E3elements Adhesive acrylic acrylic acrylic acrylic acrylic acrylicacrylic acrylic acrylic acrylic acrylic acrylic layer PSA PSA PSA PSAPSA PSA PSA PSA PSA PSA PSA PSA Tear 45 45 32 — 30 — 39 29 49 21 26 45Strength in N

Comparative Example

A combination of a conforming layer made of NBR rubber premix and anetting layer was provided. A polyurethane marking layer was coated onthe NBR premix conforming layer.

Test

The tear strength was measured on Examples 4 to 14 and on theComparative Example. The test results are given in Table 2.

Test Method for Tear Strength

The tear resistance test was performed according to DIN 53356 or ASTM1004. Samples of film having the dimensions of 100 mm×50 mm were cutfrom the extruded film in both the machine direction (MD) and crossweb(CD) directions, respectively. The film thickness varied between 0.3 mmand 0.5 mm. Film thickness was measured and used in the calculation.

A 50 mm cut was made in the edge of the film along the length of samplesas described in the test method. The two partially connected stripsproduced by the cut were gripped in the jaws of the tensile tester andpulled in opposite directions at a crosshead speed of 100 mm/min.

The force required to tear the film in a manner representing anextension of the cut was recorded in N.

Examples 15 to 24

These Examples were produced using the method as described, above forexamples 4 to 14. The additional materials used in Examples 15 to 24 areas follows:

A11. Thermoplastic Polyurethane—Desmopan™ 786 E—available from Bayer AGpolyether based; elongation 544%; tensile strength 39 MPa; shorehardness A 87; extruded as film with a thickness of 50-1000 μm,preferably 100-700 μm, most preferably 150-450 μm.

A12. Thermoplastic olefin elastomer—Engage™ 8411—available from DowChemical ethane-octene elastomer; elongation 900%; tensile strength 6.5MPa; MFI (190° C./2.16 kg) 18 g/10 min.; extruded as film with athickness of 50-1000 μm, preferably 100-700 μm, most preferably 150-450μm.

A13. Thermoplastic olefin elastomer—Infuse™ 9807—available from DowChemical ethane-octene block co-polymer; elongation 1200%; tensilestrength 3 MPa; MFI (190° C./2.16 kg) 15 g/10 min.; extruded as filmwith a thickness of 50-1000 μm, preferably 100-700 μm, most preferably150-450 μm.

A14. Functional polyolefin copolymer—Lotryl™ 20 MA08—available fromArkema Random copolymer of ethylene and methyl acrylate; elongation800%; tensile strength 10 MPa; MFI (190° C./2.16 kg) 8 g/10 min.;extruded as film with a thickness of 50-1000 μm, preferably 100-700 μm,most preferably 150-450 μm.

A15. Advanced polyolefin—Hifax™ CA10A—available from LyondellBasellPolymers Reactor TPO, elongation 500%; tensile strength 11 MPa; MFI(190° C./2.16 kg) 0.6 g/10 min.; extruded as film with a thickness of50-1000 μm, preferably 100-700 μm, most preferably 150-450 μm.

A16. Advanced polyolefin—Hifax™ CA12A—available from LyondellBasellPolymers elongation 500%; tensile strength 9 MPa; MFI (190° C./2.16 kg)0.8 g/10 min.; extruded as film with a thickness of 50-1000 μm,preferably 100-700 μm, most preferably 150-450 μm.

A17. Octene-1 LLDPE—Stamylex 1066F—available from Dex Plastomers octenebased linear low density polyethylene, elongation 1270%; tensilestrength 19 MPa; MFI (190° C./2.16 kg) 6.6 dg/min.; extruded as filmwith a thickness of 50-1000 μm, preferably 100-700 μm, most preferably150-450 μm.

A18. APAO—Vestoplast™ 828—available from Evonic Industries AG amorphouspolyalphaolefin, elongation 550%; tensile strength 1 MPa; extruded asfilm with a thickness of 50-1000 μm, preferably 100-700 μm, mostpreferably 150-450 μm.

A19. Polybond™ 3009—available from Chemtura Manufacturing Maleicanhydride modified high density polyethylene; MFI (190° C./2.16 kg) 3-6g/10 min

A20. Apyral™ 24—available from Nabaltec Mineral flame retardant; A1(OH)₃—Content 99.7%;

A21. Glass bubbles K37—available from 3M Deutschland GmbH; Isostaticcrush strength 3000 psi; True density 0.37 g/cm³; average diameter 45microns

A22. Kronos™ 2190—available from Kronos; rutile pigment with TiO₂content >93%; density 4.1 g/cm³

A23. Omyalene™ M112-OG—available from Omya; Calcium CarbonateMasterbatch; MFI (190° C./2.16 kg) 10 g/10 min; density 2.1-2.2 g/cm³

A24. Pigmented granulated master batches—Alcolor™ PSGelbA41-035—available from Albis Plastic GmbH; based on an easy-flowpolystyrene

Test Methods

The E-modulus [N/mm²] and the inelastic deformation [%] were measured onextruded Examples 15 to 24 and on the Comparative Example. The measuredsamples had no Netting- and/or Nonwoven layer so that a directcomparison could be made of the properties of the layers. The testresults are given in Table 3.

The E-modulus referred to in this specification was measured accordingto EN ISO 527-1. Samples of conforming layer having dimension of25.4×140 mm were cut from the extruded film in cross web direction. Filmthickness was measured and entered in the measurement software. Sampleswere clamped in the machine with a jaw distance of 100 mm. Measurementof the E-modulus was performed on a Tensile Tester.

The ID referred to in this specification was measured according to DIN53377. Samples of conforming layer having the dimension of 25.4×140 mmwere cut from the extruded film in cross web direction. The samples wereclamped in the Tensile Tester with a jaw distance of 100 mm. The filmwas stretched to the length of 120 mm. Calculation of the ID isID=(L_(ID)—100/20)×100 [%] with L_(ID) to be the length of the specimenincluding the unrecovered deformation after 15 min.

TABLE 3 Example → Comparative Construction ↓ #15 #16 #17 #18 #19 #20 #21#22 #23 #24 Example Reflective elements E1-E3 E1-E3 E1-E3 E1-E3 E1-E3E1-E3 E1-E3 E1-E3 E1-E3 E1-E3 E1-E3 Marking layer D D D D D D D D D D DConforming layer 60% 75% 38% 35% 73.7% 77% 10% 50% 50% 45% NBR rubberA15 A11 A16 A16 A18 A11 A15 A11 A15 A16 based 25% 20%  7% 14% 67% 50%40% 18% premix A18 A14 A15 A15 A18 A3 A18 A15 10% 19% 25% 10% 27% A3 A18A18 A3 A18  1%  1%  1% A19 A19 A19 Filler  5%  5% 35% 25% 26.3% 33% 23%— —  9% A23 A20 A23 A23 A21 A21 A18 A21 Nonwoven layer — — B2 — — — — —— — — Netting layer C1 C1 C1 C1 C1 C1 C1 C1 C1 C1 C2 Adhesive layer PSAPSA PSA PSA PSA PSA PSA PSA PSA PSA PSA E-module of conforming layer 2944 138 64 12 80 20 21 28 86 15.4 [N/mm²] Inelastic deformation 10 15 3220 23 7 18 12 12 28 30 of conforming layer [%]

1. A method of applying a marking tape on pavement comprising the stepsof: providing a marking tape; placing a portion of the tape orientedwith the adhesive layer on the pavement; pressing the portion of thetape on the pavement while maintaining the marking tape at a temperaturewithin a range of about 0° C. to about 50° C., wherein the marking tapecomprises: a core layer and an adhesive layer; wherein the adhesivelayer is adapted for retaining the marking tape on the pavement; and thecore layer comprises a conforming layer of a thermoplastic material, amarking layer of a cross-linked material, and a fibrous layer; whereinthe fibrous layer comprises a nonwoven layer and a netting layer,wherein the netting layer is separate from the nonwoven layer; whereinthe conforming layer and the marking layer are at least partiallycontiguous and/or directly interconnected with each other; wherein thenonwoven layer is partially embedded in the conforming layer and incontact with the marking layer; wherein the netting layer is imbeddedwithin the conforming layer and is in contact with the adhesive layer,wherein the netting layer and the nonwoven layers are in contact witheach other; wherein the conforming layer is at least partially arrangedbetween the netting layer and the nonwoven layer.
 2. A method ofmanufacturing a marking tape, comprising the steps of: providingthermoplastic material, a cross-linkable material, a fibrous layerformed of a nonwoven layer and/or a netting layer, and an adhesive;merging the thermoplastic material, the cross-linkable material, thefibrous layer, and the adhesive to form the marking tape, wherein themarking tape comprises: a core layer and an adhesive layer; wherein theadhesive layer is adapted for retaining the marking tape on thepavement; and the core layer comprises a conforming layer of athermoplastic material, a marking layer of a cross-linked material, anda fibrous layer; wherein the fibrous layer comprises a nonwoven layerand a netting layer, wherein the netting layer is separate from thenonwoven layer; wherein the conforming layer and the marking layer areat least partially contiguous and/or directly interconnected with eachother; wherein the nonwoven layer is partially embedded in theconforming layer and in contact with the marking layer; wherein thenetting layer is imbedded within the conforming layer and is in contactwith the adhesive layer, wherein the netting layer and the nonwovenlayers are in contact with each other; wherein the conforming layer isat least partially arranged between the netting layer and the nonwovenlayer.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of:extruding the thermoplastic material to form a conforming layer.
 4. Themethod claim 2, further comprising the step of: laminating orcalendering the conforming layer and at least one of the netting layerand the nonwoven layer; coating the cross-linkable material on thenetting layer and/or the nonwoven layer arranged on the conforminglayer.
 5. The method of claim 2, further comprising the steps of:providing a nonwoven layer and a netting layer for forming, incombination, the fibrous layer; running the nonwoven layer over a firstroller and the netting layer over a second roller; providing thethermoplastic material between the nonwoven layer and the netting layer;pressing the nonwoven-layer, the thermoplastic material and the nettinglayer between the first and second rollers.
 6. The method of claim 2,further comprising the step of: coextruding of one or multiple layerswith at least two different thermoplastic materials to form theconforming layer.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the thermoplasticmaterial is selected from the group consisting of a styrenic blockcopolymer, polyolefin, polyolefin blend, elastomeric alloy,thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic copolyester, thermoplasticpolyamide, or a combination thereof.
 8. The method of claim 1, whereinthe thermoplastic material comprises a mixture of two or morethermoplastic materials.
 9. The marking tape of claim 1, wherein thethermoplastic material comprises a mixture of two or more polyolefins.10. The marking tape of claim 1, wherein the marking tape has athickness in the range 10 μm to 1000 μm.
 11. The marking tape of claim1, wherein the marking tape, with the fibrous layer removed, has an Emodulus in the range 10 to 140 N/mm².
 12. The marking tape of claim 1,wherein the cross-linked material is selected from the group consistingof a polyurethane, epoxy, (meth)acrylate, acrylic, phenol or acombination thereof.
 13. The marking tape of claim 1, wherein theadhesive layer comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive selected from thegroup consisting of untackified natural rubber, tackified naturalrubber, olefins, silicones, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polyurethanes,styrene-isoprene-styrene, and styrene-butadiene-styrene blockcopolymers, styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene,styrene-ethylene-propene-styrene, or tackified or untackified acrylicadhesives and copolymers thereof including acidic groups.
 14. Themarking tape of claim 1, further comprising a multiplicity of reflectiveelements.
 15. The marking tape of claim 1, comprising a generally flator a structured surface, and wherein the structured surface is formed bya multiplicity of protrusions protruding from the marking tape.